Reply #26: I agree with following rules now and working together in '10 [View All]

[seybor]

My vote probably won't count in the primaries - I've accepted that, and I share in the responsibility. I don't think the decision to fully alienate MI/FL is a sound one, but I certainly understand that the DNC made the consequences clear. Conversely, I think it is equally fair to say that the rules around super delegates were clear from the beginning and both candidates have had months to work them. Most are elected officials and are beholden to their constituents.

As for a redo, at least in MI, I don't think it is appropriate for a number of reasons.
A redo seems fair on the face, but a redo would have to be caucus-style (a primary would be too costly/unmanageable at this point). Given analysis, that would give an advantage to Obama in two states in which Clinton already won. Outsiders might not like the results of our primary, but it was our primary and we all had the opportunity to participate - many of us did.
A redo would be costly in a state that has a very vulnerable set of democrats - we're dealing with a lot of recalls over tax increases (actually, rollbacks to graduated tax cuts inherited from a mad man of a repub governor) made to cover an incredible budget shortfall (legacy of that same horrible republican...sound familiar?). The party would have to pay for the caucus process as the state already sunk millions into the early primary. It could be disastrous for the state committee, which would be bad news for the DNC, too. Michigan moved the primary up in an act of desperation. Our state is really struggling with the highest unemployment rate in the country. I drove through my Ford headquarters middle class neighborhood the other day and within 5 blocks, on one side of the street, saw 4 foreclosures and 5 for sale signs. We can't afford the caucuses and we can't afford the fight. I think our collective funds should be saved for the general elections, and any dem funds directed to Michigan should go to helping protect other vulerable positions.

The whole situation stinks here. I don't want non-Michigan voters to feel disenfranchised because of the super delegates. I'm feeling disenfranchised by our party policies and politics. It seems we're caught in a lose-lose here, in which the only fair thing is to disenfranchise everyone equally. Therein lies my inner conflict.